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Survivor's Participation: Terry's Team

Cancer is so limited…

It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot destroy peace,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot suppress memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot steal eternal life,
It cannot conquer the Spirit.

"As I went through the 16 months of physically and emotionally draining ordeal of chemotherapy, I was rudely awakened by the feelings that surrounded and coursed through the cancer clinic. There were faces with the brave smiles, and the ones who had given up smiling. There were feelings of hopeful denial, and the feelings of despair. I could not leave knowing these faces and feelings would still exist, even though I would be set free from mine. Somewhere the hurting must stop... and I was determined to take myself to the limit for this cause."

Terry's concern and compassion for other cancer patients inspired him to run The Marathon of Hope in 1980. He recognized that funds for cancer research were desperately needed and he did indeed take himself to the limit for the cause.

For decades, The Terry Fox Foundation has embraced the role cancer survivors play in the annual Terry Fox Run. They remind us of the power of the human spirit and of the immense love we have for the family and friends that have endured the hardships of cancer treatment. Terry's Team Members are the living embodiment of progress; they are symbols of hope and a reminder of the legacy Terry left behind.

Starting in 2010, the Foundation welcomes all cancer survivors to sign up as Terry's Team Members, either via the Provincial Office (phone, fax, mail, email) or when registering online to fundraise. A few simple details are required and we will send you a welcome package that includes a unique red Terry's Team shirt that identifies you as a special member of The Terry Fox Foundation.

Please be assured that there are no expectations that come along with your Terry's Team role. We are delighted to have the chance to honour your survivorship. Of course, if you would like to take a greater role in helping the Foundation promote its work, please feel free to share that information when you register. Our Provincial Offices are always looking for cancer survivors who are willing to share their story with the media, at schools or at promotional events.

And if you are a relative of a cancer survivor, why don't you think about starting a Dedication Team? Gathering friends and family together to participate in honour of a loved one is really what Terry Fox Run Day is all about - the triumph of the human spirit.

"Thanks for the links to Terry's Team. I went ahead and registered. It is a wonderful initiative! This coming year I will hopefully be celebrating my 5 year Cancer Free mark! Terry Fox was always my hero even before I had cancer. I will proudly wear a red t-shirt and run in his honour and to celebrate my own personal victory. Thanks again" - Glenis Penney